Lidl-Trek finalizes Tour selection around Milan and Skjelmose and explains clear division of roles

“We have an ambitious Tour de France team for 2025 with multiple goals we want to achieve during the next three weeks in France,” De Jongh explained on the team website. “Mattias Skjelmose is aiming for the general classification, while Jonathan Milan will make his Tour de France debut. With this year’s sprint stages, especially the first stage, that is of course super important.”

That first stage in Lille is a big target for the German-American team. “There is a chance to win the first yellow jersey of the race, and Jonny will have his lead-out train with him: Jasper Stuyven, Edward Theuns, and Simone Consonni,” said De Jongh. “We’ve seen how well this group works together, and they will take charge of the lead-out.”

Quinn Simmons will also travel to Lille. “He will head into the Tour after a great stage win at the Tour de Suisse and will be the designated rider at the front. He’ll need to spend many kilometers leading the peloton to make a sprint possible, while Toms Skujins will set the final position and also provide support for Mattias.”

That gives us seven names, leaving just one spot remaining. That spot goes to Thibau Nys, as the Belgian will be riding his first ever grand tour. “He’s taking a big step forward by riding the Tour de France as his very first grand tour, and there are certainly stages that suit him well.” Especially in the first week, there should be opportunities for the Belgian.

With a lot of confidence, De Jongh’s team travels to Lille. “The whole group hasn’t raced together much yet, but I am confident we can make it work and have a great race, and that we can carry the momentum from an incredible Giro d’Italia.”

Jonathan Milan